Our Fun and Memorable Trip to Alishan and Chiayi: Finally Exploring Southwestern Taiwan

After living in Taiwan for almost six years, it hit me—I had never explored the southern part of the island. Isn’t that crazy? Taiwan is small, and traveling around is so convenient, but somehow, I always stayed in Taipei or its nearby areas. Life got busy, and I kept telling myself, “Maybe next time.”

But then my friend Arma came to the rescue with the perfect plan: “Let’s spend New Year in Alishan!” she said. Alishan is famous for its stunning sunrise, its red sightseeing train, and the magical pine forests. It’s one of the most iconic spots in Taiwan, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t been there yet. Of course, I said yes.

We rounded up our gang—Rachmad, Akin, Ika, Lee, Bagas, Triand, and Depe—and the plan was set. I was so excited about finally exploring the South, and with friends by my side, I knew it was going to be an adventure to remember.

A Long Bus Ride to Alishan

Since we wanted to catch the famous Alishan sunrise, we decided to take the night bus. It’s a six-hour journey from Taipei to Alishan, so we booked the 10 PM bus. The plan was simple: sleep on the bus, wake up in Alishan, and go straight to see the sunrise.

Now, let me tell you, sleeping on a moving bus is easier said than done. Between the excitement, the occasional bumps on the road, and everyone whispering about what they’d packed for the trip, and I was sleeping along the way. 

Sunrise at Zhu Shan Station

We arrived in Alishan at 4 AM, and the first thing we noticed? It was freezing. I’m talking "you can see your breath" kind of cold. We grabbed our jackets, hats, hand warmers and scarves, but it still wasn’t enough to fight off the chill.

From Alishan Station, we hopped on the famous red train that took us to Zhu Shan Station. The train was adorable—small, cozy, and full of people just like us, all eager to see the sunrise. It felt like a scene from an old movie as it chugged through the dark forest.

At Zhu Shan, we found a spot among the crowd and waited for the magic to happen. Slowly, the sky started to brighten, and the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon. It was like watching the world wake up. The sky turned shades of orange, pink, and purple, and everyone cheered as the sun finally peeked over the mountains.

Was it amazing? Absolutely. But I’ll be honest—after seeing the sunrise at Mount Bromo in Indonesia, Alishan’s sunrise didn’t quite blow me away in the same way. Still, the experience of being there, surrounded by nature and friends, made it special.

Walking Through the Enchanting Pine Forest

Next, we took a trail through Alishan’s pine forest to make our way back to the station. This was probably my favorite part of the trip. The forest was so peaceful and quiet, with tall trees that seemed to touch the sky. The air was fresh and cool, and you could hear nothing but the sound of birds and our footsteps.

The trail was about an hour-long walk, with plenty of stairs and pathways winding down the mountain. My legs were definitely feeling the burn by the end of it, but the views made it all worth it. It felt like we were walking through a postcard, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Walking Through History: The Giant Tree and Third-Generation Trees

After the long walk, we decided to explore more of Alishan. One of the highlights was seeing the 2,000-year-old Giant Tree. Let me tell you, this tree is MASSIVE. Standing in front of it felt surreal, like I was looking at something out of a fantasy movie. It’s incredible to think about how much history this tree has witnessed—if only trees could talk!

We also came across the Third-Generation Trees, which were just as fascinating. These trees grow from the roots of older trees that have fallen, creating a natural cycle of life. It was a beautiful reminder of how nature always finds a way to continue and thrive.

A Relaxing Stop in Chiayi

By afternoon, it was time to say goodbye to Alishan and head to Chiayi City. We caught the 4:55 PM bus from Alishan and reached Chiayi in the evening. After checking into our hostel, we were all ready to crash for the night. Hiking and walking really take it out of you!

The next morning, we explored Chiayi, and I was surprised by how much this small city has to offer.

We started with Chiayi Art Museum, where we saw some really interesting exhibits. I’m not an art expert, but I enjoyed how the museum mixed modern and traditional art styles. It was a great way to relax and soak in some culture.

Next up was the Chiayi Prison, a historic site that gave us a glimpse into the city’s past. It was both eerie and fascinating to see the old prison architecture and imagine what life was like there decades ago.

Then we went to Hinoki Village, a charming little area filled with Japanese-style wooden houses. The village had lots of cute shops and cafes, so we spent some time strolling around, taking pictures, and buying souvenirs. It felt like stepping into a different time and place.

The best part? Chiayi has a free tourist bus that took us to all these spots. It made getting around super easy and fun!

For lunch, we stopped at Kura Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi place. I might have gone a little overboard with the sushi plates, but it was SO good. Honestly, I could eat there every day.

Heading Back to Taipei

As our trip came to an end, we caught the train from Chiayi back to Taipei. The train ride was a great way to unwind after all the walking and sightseeing. We chatted about our favorite parts of the trip, laughed about our struggles with the cold in Alishan, and made plans for future adventures.

This trip wasn’t just about seeing beautiful places; it was about spending time with friends, making memories, and experiencing the best of what Taiwan has to offer. If you’ve been living in Taiwan and haven’t explored the south yet, trust me—you’re missing out!

Alishan’s natural beauty and Chiayi’s charm have a way of making you fall in love with Taiwan all over again. Who’s up for the next trip? 😊